Canyon Crest clinches share of title

The thought of hosting a San Diego Section Open Division playoff game never crossed the mind of Rebecca Kingsbury before the start of the girls lacrosse season. But the Canyon Crest Academy coach can start thinking about it now.

The top-ranked Ravens clinched at least a share of the Palomar League title for the first time in school history Wednesday, dominating two-time defending champion Poway en route to a 13-3 victory at Canyon Crest.

“It is huge for the program,” Kingsbury said of the title. “We knew going in that we were in the Open Division this season and that if we were going to accomplish anything, then we were going to have to do a lot of things for the first time.”

The defending Division I champion Ravens (12-2, 4-0) can claim the title outright with one win in their final two league games against Rancho Bernardo and Westview.

The Ravens, whose only two losses have come against teams outside of the section, entered the season just hoping to prove they belonged in the Open Division. Now they’re challenging for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

“If you would have asked me at the beginning of the season if we would even have a shot at the No. 1 seed, I would have said that’s funny,” Kingsbury said. “We set our sights on just trying to stay in the Open Division. We just wanted to compete and show we deserve to be here.”

Five different players scored goals against the Titans (8-6, 2-2), including four by senior Katie Carlson and three by Alexa Carter. The Ravens led 6-2 at halftime before pouring it on with seven unanswered goals in the second half.

Sydney Masaki scored twice for the Titans, who were held to a season-low three goals. Ravens goalie Jessie McConville collected six saves.

“At the end of the day, our defense and goalie played great,” Kingsbury said. “This was one of our most complete team games.”